Reflex structure for switch stands



Des. 15, 1931. J, 5 DRlLLETTE 1,837,184

REFLEX STRUCTURE FOR SWITCH STANDS Filed March 5, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet l "nu: nln

" mum 4 1a fllllllii" 1mm; 16 1 \\l I 6 gwuvmtoc .Izmasuf. flrille 1931- J. s. DRILLETTE REFLEX STRUCTURE FOR SWITCH STANDS Filed March 5, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 li iu -!l iiiiil lhvllllul wre L 35 3mm 5 flIll6'sS.DrilleZte Dec. 15, 1931. 5 DRILLETTE 1,837,184

REFLEX STRUCTURE FOR SWITCH STANDS Filed March 5, 1931 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented Dem 15,1931

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JAMES S. DRILLET'IE, OF LOUISVILLE, XENTUCKY, ASSIGNOR T LOUISVILLE FROG,

SWITCH & SIGNAL COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF KENTUCKY anrmax s'rauc'runn ron swnzcn mm Application filed larch 5, 1931. Serial No. 520,425.

This invention relates to an adjustable reflex or reflector structure for use in connection with switch stands and has for its object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set l-lli forth, a structure of the class referred to for substitution for and functioning for the same purpose as the well known oil lamp or electric lamp now generally employed in connection with switch stands, as well as overcoming the maintenance and expense required relative to the upkeep of oil lamps employed on switch stands.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set fort a reflex unit which can be readily substituted for the red, green, amber and white or other color lenses of switch stand lamps and functions as such lenses.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, an

adjustable reflex structure for use in connection with switch stands and which is comparatively simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, thoroughly efiicient in its use for the purpose intended, readily assembled, quickly installed with respect to a switch stand and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more specifically described, and illustrated 'in the accompanying drawings, wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention but is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications can be resorted to which fall within the scope of the claims hereunto appended.

In the drawings wherein like reference characters denote corresponding parts throughout the several views Figure 1 is a perspective view of a switch stand'showing the adaptation therewith of an adjustable reflex structure inaccor'dance with this invention.

Figure 2- is an elevation of the reflex structure partly broken away.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the reflex structure.

'to indicate red and the other two -is to be understood that the reflex units em- Figure 4 is an inverted plan partly in section of the coupling element.

Figure 5 is a section on line 5-5 Figure 2.

Figure 6 is a section on line 6-6 Figure 2.

Figure 7 is a. fragmentary view in vertical section of the reflex structure.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the top of the carrier for a plurality of reflex units.

Figure 9 is a perspective view of a side of the carrier for the reflex units.

Figure 10 is a horizontal sectional view of the coupling element for the carrier.

Figure 11 is a sectional detail.

Figure 12 is a perspective view broken away of the stem or post forming an element of the switch stand and which supports and connects with the latter the reflex structure.

Fi re 13 is an oil lam emplo ed in a switc stand and having su stitute for one of the lenses thereof a reflex unit in accordance with this invention.

Figure 14 is a top plan view of a modified form of reflex unit of the type for substitution for the lens of the oil lamp.

Figure 15 is a front elevation of a modified form of .reflex unit.

The reflex unit employed in the reflex structure, or as a substitution for a lens of an oil lamp includes a group of reflex devices, each consisting of a reflector, a li ht ray color changer and a lens. The reflex devices are arranged in a group formed in a support and each reflex device of the group changes the reflected light rays to the same color. If the light re s are not to be changed when reflected t e color changer is omitted. The group of reflex devices may be constructed in a manner to change the color of the reflected light rays to red, green, amber, white, urple,

ellow, or any color used in switch amps. ith respect to the adjustable reflex structure one or more reflex units is or are employed, preferably four, and four units are shown. Two of the units are cross hatched green. It as ployed in the reflex structure can be set up to reflect any desired color of light rays.

Referring to Figure 1 of the drawings a pair of supporting ties are indicated at 1 and lot 2 and mounted thereon and suitably connected therewith is a switch stand 3 provided with a vertically disposed rotatable supporting post 4 having a tapered upper portion 5 generally of rectangular cross section. The portion 5 at its upper end is reduced as at 6 and is provided with suitable indicia, as at 7 to provide for properly positioning the reflex structure relative to the portion 5 of post 4.

The adjustable reflex structure includes a carrier for one or more reflex units and by way of example it is illustrated for use in connection with four reflex units. By reference to Figures 1 to 6 it will be seen that the carrier 11 also includes a top member 12. Each wall forming member consists of a body part 13 provided at each side with an outwardly dlrected angularly disposed flange. The flanges of each member are indicated at 14, 15 and are oppositely inclined with respect to each other and each is disposed preferably at 90 with respect to that body part from which the flange projects.

The body parts 13 of said wall forming members are disposed at right angles to each other. The pair of flanges of each wall forming member provide confiners when the light ra s are directed towards the structure and re ected from the structure. The flanges 14 of the members 9, 10, 11 and 8 respectively are secured to the flan es 15 of the members 8, 9, 10 and 11 respectively. The flanges of one wall forming member are rigidly secured to a flan e of a pair of adjacent wall forming mem ers in any suitable manner and as shown by rivets 16.

The top member 12 comprises a body part 17 which is cut out at each corner as at 18. Depending from the body part 17 are vertical flanges 19. The body part 17 seats upon the top edges of the side wall forming members and the flanges 19 of the top member 12 oppose the upper marginal portion of each outer face of the wall forming members. The flanges 19 are apertured as at 20 and extending therethrough are holdfast devices 21 for fixedl securing the top member 12 to the wall orming members 8, 9, 10, and 11. The body part 13 of each wall forming member in proximity to its bottom edge is formed with an o ening 22 centrally thereof and above opening 22 with spaced openings 24.

The carrier is adjustably connected to and extends upwardly from a coupling element and the latter will include arms corresponding in number to the number of sides of the carrier, and by way of example the coupling element is shown as consisting of a substantially cruci-form body part having the arms thereof indicated at 25, 26, 27 and 28. The outer end of each arm is of arcuate contour and is formed with a depending curved flange 29 provided with a lengthwise disposed slot 20. Each end of the flange 29 is formed integral with an inwardly extending reinforcing web 31. The body part of the coupling element, centrally thereof is formed with a rectangular opening 32 and the shape of the opening will correspond to the cross sectional shape of the portion 5 of the post 4.

Integral with and depending from the lower face of the body part of the coupling element is a sleeve 33 of rectangular cross section. The inner face of the up er end of sleeve or stem 32 registers with t e wall of the opening 32. The opening provided by the sleeve or stem 33 tapers and corresponds to the cross sectional shape of the portions 5 of post 4. The carrier, is formed with clearance channels 34 each of which extends from the upper face of the body part of said element to the bottom of sleeve or stem 33. The channels are arranged at the corners of the opening 32. Formed integral with the lower face of the body part of said element and also integral with the sides of the sleeve or stem 33 are reinforcing forcing webs 35. One side of the sleeve or stem 33 is formed with a boss 36. The sleeve or stem 33 is provided with an opening 37 which extends from the inner face thereof to the outer face of boss 36 and has its wall threaded. Threadedly engaging with the Wall of opening 37 is a binding or clamping screw 38 for the portion 5 of the post 4 when said portion 5 is extended through the coupling element.

The coupling element is positioned within the lower portion of the carrier and is detachably connected therewith by holdfast devices 39 which extend through the opening 22 and slots 30. The slots are of oval contour and in connection with the curved ends of the arms of the coupling element provide for adjustment of the carrier when the reflex structure is placed on a curve.

The reflex unit employed shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5 includes a circular hollow support 40 having a tapered body part 41 and a front wall 42 provided with a circular group of spaced openings 43 and a plurality of countersunk apertures 44. Within the body part 41 and positioned against the body part 13 of a wall of the carrier is an apertured cushion 45 preferably formed of cork. Abutting against the forward face of cushions 45 and the inner face of the front wall 42 and projecting throu h the opening 43 are reflecting devices 46. geated in the apertures 44 are the heads of coupling bolts 48. The shanks of the bolts 48 extend through the openings 24 and carry on their inner ends clamping nuts 49.

The reflex unit shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15 which is to be substituted for a lens of an oil lamp consists of a support formed of a tapered annular body part 50, a front 51, a back 52 of greater diameter than the front 51, as well as being of greater diameter than the largest diameter of the body part 50, re-

fleeting devices 53 abutting the back 52 and inner face of the front 51 and projecting outwardly through openings 54 formed in the latter and holdfast devices 55 for connecting the body part 50 and front to the back. Secured to the back 52 is a flanged carrier or support 56 for connecting the units to the lamp 57. The body part 50 of the unit is arranged forward of the lens opening and the reflecting devices of the unit serve the same as the lens which was removed from the lamp.

What I claim is 1. In a reflex structure for switch stands, a reflex unit comprising a hollow support including a body part, a front integral with the latter and provided with a group of spaced openings, a group of reflecting devices abutting the inner face of said front, encompassed by said body part and projecting outwardly through said openings, and means for anchoring the support stationary and clamping said devices to the front.

2. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adjustable from the stand, an upstanding carrier having plural sides, said carrier adjustably connected to and bodily movable with said element, and a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier.

3. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adjustable from the stand, an upstanding carrier having plural sides, said carrier being adj ustably connected to and bodily movable with said element, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, and light ray confiners between said units.

4. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adjustable from the stand, an upstanding carrier having plural sides, said carrier adjustably connected to and bodily movable with said element, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, and light ray confiners between said units, said confiners arranged in pairs and each pair associating with the units, the confiners of each pair extending at opposite inclinations with respect to each other.

5. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adjustable from the stand, an upstanding carrier having plural sides, said carrier adjustahly connected to and bodily movable with said element, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, and light ray confiners between said units, said confiners arranged in pairs and each pair associating with the units, the confiners of each pair extending at opposite inclinations with respect to each other and corresponding in height to the height of the carrier.

6. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adjustable from the stand, an upstanding carrier having plural sides, said carrier adjustably connected to and bodily movable with said element, and a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, the reflex unit on one side of said carrier having means for reflecting the light rays directed thereagainst of a different color from that of the rays reflected by a reflex unit on an adjacent side of the carrier.

7'. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element, an upstanding carrier of polygonal cross section, means for adjustably connectin said carrier to said element, said carrier odily movable with said element, and a reflex unit secured against and projecting from the.

outer face of each side of the carrier.

8. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secared to each side of the carrier.

9. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices having means for changing the color of the light rays directed thereagainst when reflected therefrom.

10. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable couplin element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided With a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices having means for changin the color of the light rays when reflected t erefrom, said carrier provided with upstanding spaced light ray confiners, said'confiners arranged in pairs, the confiners of each pair havmg a unit arranged therebetween.

11. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, a reflex unit secured to each side ofthe carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices having means for changing the color of the light rays when reflected therefrom, said carrier provided with upstanding spaced light ray confiners, said confiners arranged in pairs, the confiners of each pair having a unit arranged therebetween, and the confiners of each pair extending outwardly at an angle with respect to the carrier and in opposite directions with respect to each other.

12. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable couplingl element adapted to be actuated from t e switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices having means for changing the color of the light rays directed thereagainst when reflected therefrom, and said coupling element provided with means to permit of the adjusting of said carrier relative thereto.

13. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices having means for changing the color of the light rays directed thereagainst when reflected therefrom, said carrier provided with upstanding spaced light ray confiners, said confiners arranged in pairs, the confiners of each pair having a unit arranged therebetween and said coupling element provided with means to permit of the adjusting of said carrier relative thereto.

14. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element adapted to be actuated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element and provided with a plurality of sides, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, each of said units consisting of a group of spaced reflecting devices hav1n means for changing the color of the light rays directed thereagainst when reflected therefrom,said carrier provided with upstanding spaced light ray confiners, said confiners arranged in pairs, the confiners of each pair having a unit arranged therebetween, the confiners of each pair extending outwardly at an angle with respect to the carrier and in opposite directions with respect to each other, and

said coupling element provided with means to permit of the adjusting of said carrier relative thereto.

15. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element provided with a series of arms having arcuate slotted outer ends, an upstanding carrier positioned against the outer ends of said arms, means for adjustably connecting the carrier to said arms, said carrier formed with a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secured to each of the sides of the carrier.

16. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element operated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier having a plurality of sides disposed at right angles with respect to each other, means for connecting the lower end of the carrier to said coupling element, said carrier bodily movable with said element, and a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier.

17. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element operated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier having a plurality of sides disposed at right angles with respect to each other, means for connecting the lower end of the carrier to said coupling element, said carrier bodily movable with said element, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, said carrier provided with pairs of light ray confiners, the confiners of each pair being disposed at opposite inclinations with respect to each other, and each unit arranged between the confiners of a pair.

18. A reflex structure for switch stands comprising a rotatable coupling element operated from the switch stand, an upstanding carrier having a plurality of sides disposed at right angles with respect to each other, means for connecting the lower end of the carrier to said coupling element, said carrier bodily movable with said element, a reflex unit secured to each side of the carrier, said carrier provided with pairs of light ray confiners, the confiners of each pair being disposed at opposite inclinations with respect to each other, and each unit arranged between the confiners of a pair, the confiners coacting with one unit being anchored to confiners associated with adjacent units.

19. In reflex structures, a reflex unitincluding a support having a front formed with spaced openings and a group of reflecting devices connected against the front and extending througn said openings, and a flanged holder secured to the back of the support.

20. In a reflex structure for switch stands, a rotatable carrier provided with spaced reflex units, each unit including a group of reflecting devices, the devices of one unit having like means for reflecting the light rays directed thereagainst of a color different from that of the rays reflected by the reflecting devices of an adjacent unit, and means for coupling the carrier to a switch stand.

21. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable coupling element for connection to and shiftable from the stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily shit-table with said element, said carrier formed with a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secured to and extendin outwardly from each of said sides.

22. reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable till coupling element for connection to and shift able fromthe stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily shiftable with said element, said carrier formed with a plurality of sides, and a reflex unit secured to and extending outwardly from each of said sides, each of said units including means whereb the light rays directed from one is of a di ferent color from that directed from. another.

23. In a reflex structure for switch stands, a rotatable carrier provided with spaced reflex units, each unit including a group of reflecting devices, the devices of one unit having like means for reflecting the light rays directed thereagainst of a color different from that of the rays reflected by the reflecting devices of an adjacent unit, and means for coupling the carrier to a switch stand, and each of said units including a series of closely arranged reflecting devices.

24. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable coupling element for connection to and shiftable from the stand, an upstanding carrier connected to and bodily shiftable with said element, said carrier formed with a plurality of sides, and a reflex'unit secured to and extending outwardly from each of said sides, and each of said units including a series of closely arranged reflecting devices.

25. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable vertically disposed coupling element for connection to and shiftable from the stand, an upstanding polygonal shaped carrier, said carrier and con ling element having coacting means for a justably connecting the former to the latter, said carrier being bodily movable with said element, and a reflex unit projecting from each of the sides of said carrier.

26. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable, upstandin coupling element for connection to and shiiable from the stand, an upstanding 01y onal shaped carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element, and a reflex means secured to the outer face of each side of the carrier.

27. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable, upstanding coupling element for'connection to and shiftable from the stand, an upstanding polygonal shaped carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element, and a reflex means secured to the outer face of each side of the carrier, and said carrier provided with light ray confining means co-related with each reflex means.

28. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps, comprising a rotatable, upstandin coupling element for connection to and shi table from the stand, an upstanding polygonal shaped carrier connected to and bodily movable with said element, and a reflex means secured to the outer face of each side of the carrier, and said carrier at each corner thereof provided with a light ray confining means spaced from the units.

29. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps comprising an upstanding carrier for connection with and shiftable from the switch stand, said carrier havin a plurality of sides, and a roup of re ex members secured to each si e of the carrier and providing a reflex unit.

30. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps comprising an upstanding carrier for connection with and shiftable from the switch stand, said carrier having a plurality-of sides, and a group of reflex memrs secured to each side of the carrier and providing a reflex unit, and s aced light ray confiners forming parts of t e carrier, and each of said units being arranged between a pair of confiners.

31. A reflex structure for substitution for switch stand lamps comprising an upstanding carrier for connection with and shiftable from the switch stand, said carrier having a plurality of sides, and a group of reflex memrs secured to each side 'of the carrier and providing a reflex unit, said units being spaced from the top and bottom of the carrier, and said confiners extending from the top to the bottom of the carrier.

In testimony whereof, I aflix my signature hereto.

JAMES S. 'DRILLETTE. 

